Nigeria’s determination to defeat cancer resonated powerfully in Abuja on Saturday, at the 11th Medicaid Cancer Foundation Walk, themed “One Walk, One Fight, One Mission”.
The event was organised by Dr Zainab Atiku Bagudu, Founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation and President of the Union for International Cancer Control.
Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, led calls for greater national commitment to defeating cancer, describing the Medicaid Cancer Walk as a unifying platform of compassion, awareness, and shared responsibility.
Speaking at the 11th edition of the annual walk in Abuja, Senator Bagudu commended Nigerians across all sectors “who took it upon themselves that we can all mobilise to change someone’s life or even our lives” for their participation.
He described the initiative as a partnership between the Medicaid Cancer Foundation and the federal government.
“This effort is led by no less a person than Her Excellency, the President of the Union for International Cancer Control, supported by the mother of the nation, First Lady of the Federal Republic, Senator Oluremi Tinubu,” he said.
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The Minister reaffirmed the administration’s backing, noting that “Medicaid Cancer Foundation is such an important partner to the federal government, and we completely support this initiative.”
He lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, saying:
“What we saw here—from wives of governors, elders, young ones—is all a statement that the message is resonating. Money you can afford and spare can change somebody’s life. Not even money—sometimes even the word you can speak to somebody and encourage him or her.”
Convener’s Call
Founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation and President of the Union for International Cancer Control, Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, said the event’s theme, “One Walk, One Fight, One Mission,” symbolised unity in the national fight against cancer.
“Cancer is not just a medical issue—it’s a social one,” she said. “Our mission is to raise awareness, promote early detection, and give hope. Cancer is tough, but Nigerians are tougher.”
Women Leaders Commend Collective Effort
Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Iman Suleiman-Ibrahim, praised Dr Bagudu’s sustained commitment.
“It’s not easy to organise something for 11 years consecutively. It takes a lot of planning, dedication, and commitment. We are proud of her, and this is proof that when we come together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve,” she said.
She described the event as a message of unity, stating that “This means oneness, togetherness, solidarity. We’re tired of fighting each other. We’re going to fight cancer, GBV, and anything that stands in the way of our empowerment.”
Wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Fatima Abbas, commended Dr Bagudu’s “tireless effort to combat cancer in Nigeria.”
“Through your Medicaid Cancer Foundation, you have touched countless lives. Your leadership has mobilised communities and promoted early detection. Your work is a beacon of hope for those living with cancer,” she said.
From the sports sector, Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission and Captain of the walk, said:
“This is the 11th year Medicaid has been put in this biggest cancer awareness walk, can I say, in Africa. On behalf of the National Sports Commission and the entire sports stakeholders in Nigeria, I congratulate everybody for turning out today and call on all Nigerians to support this cancer walk initiative and ensure zero tolerance in the country.
Renewed Hope for Cancer Control
Also speaking, Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Relief, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, urged Nigerians to recognise that cancer is “not a death sentence.”
“It’s both preventive and curative if detected early,” he said. “Even as a senator, I helped create a budgetary line for the cancer fund to assist the vulnerable. For Nigerians, there is hope.”
The walk, supported by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, reflected the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reinforcing that collective action and early detection remain key to eliminating cancer in Nigeria.